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Friday, 4 January 2013

Indonesia To Build Unmanned Drone Squadron In 2013

Indonesia's Minister for Research and Technology, Gusti Muhammad Hatta said the country will build an unmanned drone squadron in 2013 for special missions and national defence, Indonesia's Antara reported.

The development of the unmanned drone squadron is one of the main objectives of The National Technology Awakening Day, which will be held this year. In addition, rockets and satellites will be developed as part of The National Technology Awakening Day.

The unmanned drone squadron will also be able to create artificial rain, said the Minister.

"The unmanned drone squadron will be able to create artificial rain. It can be used to monitor active and dormant volcanoes, and illegal fishing and logging activities," said the minister on Thursday.

The Ministry will work closely with the National Aeronautics and Space Institute (LAPAN) and the Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) to build the drone squadron.

"LAPAN has built one small drone, while BPPT has developed three classes of drones: small, medium and large," he said, adding that the defence ministry will provide funds to build the drone squadron.

The Research and Technology Ministry is also developing technologies to manufacture tanks.

"We have created panzers; now, we want to develop tanks," said the minister, adding that the ministry will also work closely with India to build satellites.